[Exclusive] Scott Kuggeleijn names best batter, most talented cricketer in DP World ILT20

New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn is representing Dubai Capitals in DP World ILT20 2025. This is his second straight year with the franchise which finished runners-up in 2024. On the sidelines of the six-team tournament, the seam-bowling all-rounder gave an exclusive interview to CricTracker.

Kuggeleijn spoke about his experience of playing in the league and staying in Dubai. David Warner is yet to join the Capitals this season as he is leading Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. However, Kuggeleijn named the former Australia opener as the best batter in the league. He also picked UAE spinner Haider Ali, who is also a part of the Dubai Capitals, as the most talented player in the league.

Because you're no stranger to this league as you played last year as well and did pretty well too, what's new this year? What's the experience like?

It's slightly new because last year we were actually out of Legoland so everything was about a 50-minute drive to get to here. Now we're more central in Dubai. It's been awesome, the training facilities the comp (competition), everything's really well organized and you get to play a bit of golf at courses like this which is pretty cool.

How cool is a day like this in the middle of a tournament? How does it help you relax and prepare for matches ahead? You just won a great game yesterday by the way.

Yeah it helps a lot. I think the more you can take your mind away from cricket in the off days (the better). Well, for me personally, I think there's nothing worse than overthinking things and being out here and enjoying some sunshine and playing golf is pretty good.

Who's the best batsman in the tournament?

That's a very hard question. You can include the UAE players that you've seen, maybe the young talent who's just coming on for the first time. That's hard. If I had to be blunt I'd just say a guy from my team David Warner. He's not here right now but I just think if you look at his career and how good he's been he's comfortably the best in my opinion.

Any young talent that's impressed you this year especially because you've played here last season as well?

We had young Haider Ali last year who has performed really well again. He's a young guy who's really hungry. There are a few others from other sides but I cannot disrespect. I can't think of them off the top of my head. Right this second, I'm more worried about the guys on our team to be honest.

Tell us a bit about your overall experience this time of the year as part of your schedule. How much do you enjoy spending time with top international players playing this league?

Yeah, well that's one really cool thing about these leagues is you get to interact with a lot of different people. I mean being in Dubai is obviously awesome because there's a lot of fun things to do that I like, the beaches, the golf. And, yeah obviously, there are high class players everywhere you look so it's pretty special and you just gotta enjoy it no matter how things are going. Try and do things like this and take your mind off things that you enjoy so it's been cool.

Also Read: DP World ILT20 is a platform where youngsters get opportunities: Waqar Younis

Dubai Capitals are placed at No. 4 on the points table in DP World ILT20 2025. They have won three games and lost as many. Their side will only get stronger when their regular captain Warner joins them after the Big Bash League comes to an end. Sikandar Raza is leading the side in Warner's absence.